Veteran forward Patric Hornqvist is retiring after 15 NHL seasons, according to a report out of Sweden.
The 36-year-old last played in December for the Florida Panthers before a concussion ended his season.
“I’ve been in this bubble since I started to play as a kid, hockey has been a huge part of my life so of course it’s a difficult decision to make,” Hornqvist told Per Bjurman of Sportsblade, in comments translated by NHL.com. “It will be a big transition, but it feels good now, I’m looking forward to the rest of my life. It’s the most important thing.”
Hornqvist is a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and scored the Cup-clinching goal in 2017.
He skated in 901 games with the Predators, Penguins and Panthers. His 264 career goals are tied with Nicklas Lidstrom, Thomas Steen and Kent Nilsson for 10th most by a Swedish-born player.
Hornqvist was the final pick of the 2005 NHL Draft, 230th overall, by the Predators.
“I’m feeling fine now and hopefully I have many fine years ahead of me,” Hornqvist said, “and with my history of injuries I don’t want to risk any future harm.”